Step 10: Using the rotary encoders to set the hours

Step 11: Cad Models

I modeled the clock using SolidWorks to be sure all the machined components fit properly.

I made a steampunk clock using an old wooden telephone box, three analog gauges, switches, a viewport, and a wind-up mechanism. The clock displays the hours, minutes and seconds on the gauges and when you wind it up, it displays the month, date and day of the week as well as playing a video of the correct moon phase for the current date and time. The dials are electroluminescent and are activated and dimmed by touch. The clock plays audio including four selectable volume controllable clock sounds and random sound effects when the moon phase video is being played. The time is set using the chicken head knobs and the date is set via a usb port.
The code is written for the arduino platform (I'm using a mega) and the arduino IDE.

Step 1: A Few Words for Newbs

I am a mechanical engineer by training and by practice. I like to hack around with electronics and know enough about them to be dangerous and to be able to build some fun stuff. I am not a trained programmer but have written some pretty extensive programs over my career. Do not be intimidated by this project, please.
I firmly believe that anyone with gumption can take on some or even all of this project and be successful. Break it down into pieces. I'll try to give you as much info as possible to lead you in the right direction.

Just tumble into this great Instructable! Your work has inspired me to build a long time project idea using a 'knock-off' of your clock functions. I was wondering if you ever developed any wiring diagrams to go along with all the other great info you put into your 'ible?

The battery back-up works as well as power as far as accuracy is concerned. The question that I had when I read your question is how long will the battery last. As you can imagine, there is not a clear cut answer to that question, but I did browse the datasheet for the 3231 and found a reference to an application note that sheds some light on the subject (link below). It turns out that the current draw of the chip when not transmitting data or performing temperature compensation conversions is very, very low. If I were you, I would give it a go. A Panasonic CR2032 coin cell has a capacity of 220 mAh and will last about 1000 hrs at 190 uA (microamp). The DS3231 (according to the app note below) draws just 3.0 uA. So you should be good for a long long time.

I love the clock you have made, the mind boggles!! I would like to do same. Are the instructions here complete to make this without a lot of knowledge about electronics but able to follow clear instructions as long as there are no bugs in the programs you've written.

Thanks!I encourage you to take what I have posted and use it to make your own clock. I will be adding more info in the days/weeks to come so check back for more. The steps that I have added so far will get you very close to making your clock. You will have to have some knowledge of programming and electronics to be successful. Go for it!

This is very cool. I'm interested in doing this instructable, but it appears that starting with Step 10, the instructable is missing steps? Is it just me, or do other people see what I'm talking about?